Brief History of Encaustic Painting

Encaustic painting is a process of using melted beeswax mixed with damar resin (for hardening) and pigments to create a medium that can be used in many ways. It is a technique which has lasted over 3000 years. It was used on funerary portraits done by the Greeks and Egyptians. This exciting medium has enjoyed resurgence, first in the fifties and now in the past ten or so years. Artists are pushing the limits of this classic technique to produce paintings, works on paper, sculpture and mixed media pieces. The only restriction is that the ground for the wax must be porous. Unsealed plywood, bisque fired clay, 300# watercolor paper... all of these are good bases to work with. The wax and damar resin is kept liquid at a temperature of between 175º to 200º. The wax is bonded to the surface using a propane or butane torch or a hot air gun.

ENCAUSTIC FOR BEGINNERS

This class introduces the student to the basics of working with Encaustic paints. You'll learn how to apply the wax to a panel, build up the layers of wax and paint with colored hot wax. I stress how to safely work with the hot wax and touch on the ways you can imbed things into your piece and how to carve into the wax and work with dry pigments. All materials are supplied in this introduction to Encaustics class.

ENCAUSTIC AND COLLAGE

In this class the students will begin to imbed elements, print on silk paper and work with building a story through the images that are chosen to be part of the piece. In this middle level workshop the student must have a basic knowledge of applying and heating the wax. All wax will be included in the cost of the workshop. Small panels will be available, but there will be a charge for larger panels and cradled panels.

ENCAUSTIC PLAY

This class is for those with a basic knowledge of and experience with Encaustic painting. We will explore different techniques you may want to use to enhance your ideas. The format will be 12 x 12 to 24 x 24. There will be a charge for the panels but I will include the wax. This is a whole day workshop.

Beginning Encaustic Workshop

Workshops are set up by appointment. If you're interested in learning about

Encaustic Painting just call and I'll set up a half day or whole day workshop.

Workshops can be custom tailored to your interests. Whether you live in the

Santa Fe area or are planning a visit, give me a call to set up your art

experience. I will work one on one or with up to 4 students at a time.

Call for more information 505-231-3867.

1/2 DAY - $175

4 hours of instruction, Play includes all materials for beginning level.

For the Collage and Encaustic Play advanced workshops there will be

an added fee for panels which will be made to your requested sizes.

FULL DAY - $300

8 hours of instruction, play and includes all materials for beginning level.